iPhonic

Barclaycard creates "Waterslide Extreme" iPhone game

Andy Merrett — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:06:08 GMT

Whatever you might think of companies creating games for the major purpose of marketing to potential customers, when done right you can still end up with a decent application. Enter Barclaycard, which has just announced its new Waterslide Extreme game for the iPhone, coinciding with another showing of its advertising campaign. The objective? Steer a character down an increasingly difficult waterslide in the quickest time, collecting points and avoiding objects...

Careful! Your iPhone obsession is boring all your mates

Andy Merrett — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:34:49 GMT

Do you use your iPhone incessantly? Do you boast about the latest cool app you've downloaded (there's an app for just about everything, as the increasingly annoying Apple TV ads tell us) Do you find your friends slinking away when you approach them, excitedly clutching your phone? If so, then you're probably an iBore...

Astraware launches Solitaire for iPhone

Andy Merrett — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:26:26 GMT

Fans of simple, traditional games will be pleased to know that Astraware continues to release old favourites to the iPhone platform. Following the success of its Board Games and Sudoku comes Solitaire, and it's available for a limited time for just 99c / 59p. Now, Solitaire has to be one of the most crowded niches on the App Store (or indeed, any platform). I counted well over 100 variants, so Astraware is certainly up against it...

Skype for iPhone gets upgrade: now with voicemail and SMS

Andy Merrett — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:23:08 GMT

Skype arrived on the iPhone back in March, after a long wait, and was generally warmly greeted. However, there were still some things that you couldn't do, and not all of them were a result of the networks crippling innovation. A few months on and the first major update to Skype has made it into the App Store. Now it's possible to listen to your voicemail messages from the mobile version, and also to send SMS text messages to contacts around the world...

ITN launches showbiz video news app for iPhone

Andy Merrett — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:23:08 GMT

In February, ITN launched its first iPhone application allowing users to watch videos and keep up with the latest news headlines. ITN On has now launched the free ITN Showbiz app which, as the name suggests, offers the latest video news from the world of celebrities, music and film...

Tradewinds 2 strategy game comes to the iPhone

Andy Merrett — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:20:17 GMT

Tradewinds 2, the popular PC strategy game from Sandlot Games, has landed on the iPhone and is available now from the App Store. This Caribbean-set trading game allows you to navigate a fascinating new world, discovering uncharted ports teeming with friends and foes. Be a master commander, defeating pirates and plundering their vast hordes of booty, or, play it safe by trading exotic island goods, gradually amassing untold wealth, power and influence...

Sennheiser launches range of "iPhone-optimised" closed headphones

Andy Merrett — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:20:20 GMT

Sennheiser has announced a new line of "HD" closed headphones which are supposedly optimised for iPod, iPhone and other portable device use and are distinctly affordable. The complete range of compact, lightweight and foldable HDs feature powerful neodymium magnets and ultra-light diaphragms and adjustable, comfortable ear cups.

TomTom creates iPhone satnav solution

Andy Merrett — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:31:15 GMT

Much as we expected after the iPhone's software upgrade, TomTom has come up with its own satellite navigation hardware/software combo for the handset. As the iPhone's GPS receiver is not quite as strong as those found in dedicated satnav units, TomTom sells a special hardware dock which includes a GPS booster and holds the iPhone secure. Software is based on TomTom's award-winning turn-by-turn navigation system and includes IQ Routes and the latest maps from Tele Atlas...

iPhone on O2: How much does it cost to buy, upgrade and use?

Andy Merrett — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:57:47 GMT

Listen up, UK iPhone fans. Here's the complete low-down on what it costs to buy a new iPhone 3G or iPhone 3G S, or upgrade from an existing iPhone, and then how much it'll cost you to use it.

Buying a new iPhone 3G S or iPhone 3G

Here's a breakdown of what it costs to sign up for a monthly consumer contract. Note that the iPhone 3G 16GB model is no longer available.

	18 Months				24 Months
Tariff	£29.38	£34.26	£44.05	£73.41	£34.26	£44.05	£73.41
iPhone 3G 8GB	£96.89	£96.89	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free
iPhone 3G S 16GB	£184.98	£184.98	£87.11	Free	£87.11	Free	Free
iPhone 3G S 32GB	£274.23	£274.23	£175.19	£96.89	£175.19	£96.89	Free
UK Minutes	75	600	1200	3000	600	1200	3000
UK Messages	125	500	500	500	500	500	500
Unlimited UK Data and Wi-Fi	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

iPhone OS 3.0: How to cut, copy and paste text and images

Andy Merrett — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:36:09 GMT

At long last Apple has implemented what many have wanted on the iPhone since the start -- the ability to cut, copy and paste text in and between applications. Apple's solution is pretty elegant, though it can be a little bit fiddly at times depending on which application you're trying to select text from. Read this guide and you'll soon be cutting and pasting like a pro.

Cutting, copying and pasting text

Let's say you're compiling a list of what you've eaten over the last few days, and it turns out you just can't get enough of those sausages. Rather than retype it, simply copy Monday's text into Thursday's position: 1. Starting with: 2. Hold one finger on the screen to bring up the magnification lens and move it to the start of the text you want to copy (you don't have to be precise as you can select more text in the next steps. Alternatively, you can double tap in the general area where you want to cut/copy text from:

How to install and troubleshoot iPhone 3.0 OS on your iPhone

Andy Merrett — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:15:16 GMT

Apple has released the latest version of its iPhone operating system: version 3.0. It's now available to download via iTunes. Assuming you have a legitimate (non jailbroken) iPhone, connect it via USB to iTunes, then click on "Check for Updates" (if it doesn't automatically do so). You'll get a series of screenshots as follows (Windows version will look slightly different): Click "Download and Install" to get straight on with the installation and update the iPhone:

How to install iPhone 3.0 OS on your iPhone

Andy Merrett — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:22:42 GMT

iPhone 3.0 OS Update ready to install

Andy Merrett — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:51:12 GMT

Should I buy an iPhone 3G S?

Andy Merrett — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:18:14 GMT

If you already own an iPhone or iPhone 3G and want to know if it's worth upgrading, check out this features comparison. If you don't own an iPhone but are tempted by Apple's latest offering, the iPhone 3G S, read on to see if it's worth switching.

iPhone 3G S main features

At a glance, the iPhone 3G S's main features are:

Phone with visual voicemail
Threaded (conversational) display of SMS
MMS with video
Full iPod music and video player
Desktop-class email system
Advanced Internet browser (Safari)
A-GPS with Google Maps plus digital compass
YouTube integration
Huge range of third-party applications (both paid and free) available via iTunes
3MP camera, autofocus, VGA 30fps video recording
3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Ability to add various third-party hardware via dock connection

Rivals: Samsung i8910 HD versus iPhone 3G versus iPhone 3G S

Andy Merrett — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:47:24 GMT

Samsung recently launched its latest touchscreen mobile phone, the i8910 HD. The title hints at one of its main features - the ability to view, shoot, and output high definition video. How does it shape up against the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3G S? Read on to find out.

Look & Feel

The Samsung i8910 HD has a look not dissimilar to the LG Viewty Smart II, with slightly more curves in the screen than the iPhone 3G/iPhone 3G S, and with physical buttons underneath the screen. The iPhone 3G and iPhone 3G S are slightly thinner and smaller than the Samsung i8910 HD, at 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3mm versus 123 x 59 x 12.9mm. The i8910 HD is quite a heavy beast, at 671g compared to the iPhone 3G at 133g and iPhone 3G S at 135g.

iPhone 3G S versus iPhone 3G versus iPhone

Andy Merrett — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:00:33 GMT

So you've got an old iPhone and you want to know if it's worth upgrading to the iPhone 3G S? Has Apple gone the extra mile or is it a bit of a lacklustre update. Read our specs comparison of the three major iPhone models to find out if it's worth the upgrade.

Feature	iPhone 3G S	iPhone 3G	iPhone
Size	115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3mm	115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3mm	115 x 61 x 11.6mm
Weight	135g	133g	135g
Capacity	16GB / 32GB	8GB* / 16GB	4GB* / 8GB*
Screen Resolution	480 x 320 pixels @ 163ppi
Operating System	iPhone OS 3.0	iPhone OS 3.0 (free upgrade)	iPhone OS 3.0 (free upgrade, feature limited)
Speed	Claims 2x as fast as iPhone 3G
Connectivity	3G, 2G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	3G, 2G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	2G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Navigation	A-GPS and digital compass	A-GPS	Wireless-based triangulation system
Battery Life: Talk time	5 hrs (3G) 12 hrs (2G)	5 hrs (3G) 10 hrs (2G)	8 hrs
Battery Life: Standby time	300 hrs	300 hrs	250 hrs
Battery Life: Audio playback	30 hrs	24 hrs	24 hrs
Battery Life: Video playback	10 hrs	7 hrs	7 hrs
Battery Life: Internet usage (wi-fi)	9 hrs	6 hrs	6 hrs
Camera	3MP	2MP	2MP
Camera features	Auto-focus (tap to focus), video recording VGA at 30fps, photo/video geotagging, iPhone and third-party application integration	photo geotagging, iPhone and third-party application integration
Visual Voicemail	Yes	Yes	Yes
Video formats	H.264	H.264	H.264
Audio formats	AAC, Protected AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV
SMS	Yes	Yes	Yes
MMS	Yes, including video	Yes	No
Can use third-party hardware	Yes	Yes, with OS 3.0	Generally no
Sensors	Accelerometer, Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensor
Connections	Dock, speakers, standard 3.5mm audio jack, microphone, SIM tray		Dock, speakers, recessed 3.5mm audio jack, microphone, SIM tray
Price ($)	16GB $199 32GB $299 subject to new 2-year AT&T contract otherwise 16GB $599 32GB $699	8GB model $99 with new 2-year AT&T contract otherwise $499	Discontinued, was 8GB $399 16GB $499
Price (£)	16GB/32GB from free on 18 month / 24 month O2 contract Full pricing or 16GB £440.40 / 32GB £538.30 on PAYG	From free on selected O2 tariffs or £342.50 on PAYG	Discontinued

So, is it worth upgrading?...

iPhone 3G S Week: Introduction

Andy Merrett — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:39:52 GMT

Apple was kind enough to announce its latest iPhone in the week I chose to go on holiday, and ironically although I could have used my own iPhone to attempt to report on the highlights, the network signal was so poor that it would have been agonising. Fear not, though, for I will be making up for lost time with a full analysis of the iPhone 3GS, how it compares to the current iPhone 3G, what the new OS 3.0 looks like, how the handset stacks up against phones from other manufacturers, the controversies surrounding upgrades and tethering, and and whether it's really worth upgrading...

Rivals: Samsung i8910 HD versus iPhone 3G

Andy Merrett — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:22:38 GMT

Look & Feel

The Samsung i8910 HD has a look not dissimilar to the LG Viewty Smart II, with slightly more curves in the screen than the iPhone 3G, and with physical buttons underneath the screen. The iPhone 3G is slightly thinner and smaller than the Samsung i8910 HD, at 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3mm versus 123 x 59 x 12.9mm. The i8910 HD is quite a heavy beast, at 671g compared to the iPhone at 133g...

BSkyB launches video news app for iPhone [iPhone Application Watch]

Andy Merrett — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:27:43 GMT

Following the launch of Sky+ Remote Control for the iPhone earlier this month, Sky News has announced a free news application is now available to download from the iTunes app store. The new app delivers breaking news by text, images and video and features seven different categories for users to choose from: top stories, UK news, sport, business, world news, showbiz and skynews.com's popular 'strange news' category. Users can sign up to receive breaking news via SMS text alerts...

More bling for your iPhone with Swarovski decor frames from Audrey Charm

Andy Merrett — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:12:27 GMT

It's been a while since we've featured seriously blingy cases and covers for the iPhone, so we just had to jump on the news that Audrey Charm has released a range of crystal-encrusted frames for the iPhone 3G. "Made from silver, gold, or chromium plated metal, each frame features protective neoprene inner lining, cutouts for access to all ports and controls, as well as holes for attaching a lanyard or decorative charm, and either pink, clear, or black Swarovski crystals on the front." The iPhone 3G version costs $66. Audrey Charm

Rivals: LG Viewty Smart versus iPhone 3G

Andy Merrett — Tue, 26 May 2009 13:27:26 GMT

The LG Viewty II (Smart) - also labelled the LG GC900 - is due out in the UK next month. How does it stack up against the iPhone 3G? Read on for a comparison...

Look & Feel

Not a dissimilar look between the two phones though in my opinion the iPhone 3G still has the edge in terms of sleekness. There's not much to choose between them in terms of dimensions. The iPhone is very slightly larger, at 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3mm versus the Viewty Smart's 108.9 x 56.1 x 12.4mm. The iPhone 3G is very slightly heavier, at 133g compared to 102g.

Cheaper, contract-free iPhones could be on way to US

Andy Merrett — Tue, 19 May 2009 13:22:58 GMT

It's not the first time there have been rumours or analyst opinions on a plan-free iPhone for the US. Sanford C. Bernstein analyst Toni Sacconaghi said that he expected Apple to unveil new, cheaper iPhones that would appeal to more cost-conscious consumers. "I feel very confident there will be a lower-cost alternative," he said, implying that not only might the handset itself be cheaper, but that it could also come without a data plan and instead be usable as a "pay as you go" model, similar to what's already available in the UK and other parts of Europe (albeit with a hefty price tag)...

PURE launches iPhone-friendly DAB Micro System

Andy Merrett — Mon, 18 May 2009 13:35:41 GMT

PURE has just announced its new Sirocco 150 DAB/FM radio hi-fi system offering full iPhone compatibility. Carrying the "Works with iPhone" label, it adheres to Apple's performance standards. This complete system features a built-in CD player, both DAB and FM radio, SD card reader and USB port, plus dock for iPod and iPhone. There's also a sleep timer and alarm, headphone socket and stereo audio input...

Dinosmash cartoon shoot'em-up coming to iPhone [iPhone Application Watch]

Andy Merrett — Mon, 18 May 2009 13:35:41 GMT

There's a new cartoonish shoot-em-up coming to the iPhone in the form of Dinosmash from Eurocenter. Set in a 3D world and Internet connected so that you can pit your skills against other players, the mission is simple: you have to shoot other dinosaurs in order to score points. Up to 16 players can compete in a single game. Advanced multiplayer features include an automatic matchmaking system, so hopefully you won't have to struggle to find others to play against...

Prototype R2-D2 robot controlled by iPhone accelerometer

Andy Merrett — Wed, 13 May 2009 15:45:15 GMT

Here's a cool little find, still in the developmental stage. A prototype R2-D2 robot has been built to respond to movement of an iPhone's accelerometer. Currently, R2-D2's head moves round in one direction or the other based upon the accelerometer. Pretty neat. Here's a short video of the robot in action.